From darkness to light

The human condition is undoubtedly a source of inspiration for many contemporary visual artists, but exploring its numerous facets can be emotionally draining, delivering highs and lows in mood that reflect the complex nature of the subject itself.

It’s a dilemma that the artist Wissam Al Shaabi, whose body of work to date has spotlighted both the best and worst of humanity, is all too familiar with.

“Some of my paintings are rooted in human tragedy and suffering, but I have realised that whatever feelings I’m experiencing, the time comes when it’s necessary to pull myself out of the negativity, otherwise it becomes all consuming,” he acknowledged. “Now, when I can feel that the emotions are becoming overwhelming, I make it a point to shift the focus in life and art to some of the positive things about our existence, like nature’s beauty or happy memories, for example.”

The picturesque scenery that edges the city of Damascus, close to his studio, has proved to be a key source of inspiration for Al Shaabi, especially after he decided to join fellow walkers on their trips to the local countryside.

The paintings borne out of this phase celebrate the simple, yet wonderful aspects of nature, from trees, branching out against expansive skies and dotted with colourful blossom in vibrant acrylics, to more abstract pieces depicting rainfall, hurtling down from the clouds and flowers in bloom. 

Other uplifting works are inspired by childhood memories of happy times in pre-war Damascus and even cycling – an activity that Al Shaabi took up recently that has produced colourful compositions showcasing a captivating assortment of wheels, complete with spokes, that fill the canvas with a sense of movement, motion and fun. 

“It was really enjoyable to get out and about, especially since I found myself discovering beauty spots that I didn’t even know existed,” he admitted. “I think it was also really therapeutic to take time out and reconnect with nature after being unable to do so during the wartime years.”

The mention of war is a reminder of the stark contrast between these compositions celebrating nature’s beauty and some of Al Shaabi’s other works, including his Calendar series, which are rooted in a darker side of humanity. In these pieces, Al Shaabi began introducing what he describes as a ‘counting calendar’ or numerical motif which adds a powerful dimension to the narratives. Taking the form of shaped, vertical lines, these recurring motifs are often set against a black backdrop, giving them added gravitas and symbolically evoking the idea of barred windows, meaning the subjects, which range from birds to abstract shapes, are unable to escape, or risk becoming just a number. 

“It felt like numbers were key to the narrative in these pieces, whether we were counting fatalities of wars or casualties from a natural disaster, like an earthquake or calendar days, weeks or years spent in darkness,” he explained. 

These poignant works reflect the extent to which Al Shaabi’s art has evolved over the years, taking him on a journey that began in childhood when his talent was spotted as he sat drawing cartoon characters. “I don’t think my parents had considered art as a study option until then,” he said with a smile, noting that he still enjoys sketching scenes that catch his eye, such as the café culture he witnesses on trips to Beirut. “But once they decided I had potential, they were fully supportive and encouraged me to apply for college.” 

Al Shaabi attended the Institute Adham Ismael in Damascus, where he focused on fine-tuning his drawing techniques, and then entered the Academy of Fine Arts in Damascus, gaining a BFA.  It was at the academy that he learned in detail about some of the major art movements that would have a profound influence on his work, including Impressionism. “As soon as I was exposed to Impressionist art, I fell in love with it – the incredible colours and the way the artists use them to create their own, individual interpretations of the views in front of them,” he explained. “I also loved the idea they had of stepping outside of the studio and painting the nature surrounding them. I found this inspiring.” 

These in-depth studies also helped Al Shaabi to translate his emotions onto a canvas. “I liken my way of working to the effect music has on you when you hear it,” he said. “You may not understand exactly what’s producing the sound, but you know that the movement and waves are adding to the overall effect. This is the approach I take in my painting – channelling my feelings into colours, lines and shapes.” 

He also supports Picasso’s philosophy that sometimes, it’s enough to simply enjoy and appreciate art from the visual aspect, noting: “He [Picasso] once said ‘Do you ever know what the birds are singing? You don’t. But you listen to them anyway.’ Wise words indeed!”

Diverse in style and content, the paintings emerging from these thought processes have generated interest from a broad range of audiences, who have had opportunities to view Al Shaabi’s work at collective exhibitions across the region, including at ‘Glimpses of Talent’, held at Urbanista art gallery, Dubai, Expo Dubai 2021, at the Syrian Pavilion, and others held in Beirut and Venice. In addition, he organised a recent online show, titled ‘Painting and Space’, on Instagram. Al Shaabi’s work can also be found in several private collections across the Middle East, Europe and US.

Never one to stand still Al Shaabi explained that his latest projects include planning his first solo show and also experimenting with sculpture. “I’m working with clay and will see where this takes me,” he said. “I’m a great believer in seeking out potential from different mediums of art and discovering what I can do with them, rather than remaining in one place.”